This week saw learner drivers allowed on motorways for the first time, a move which has been welcomed by road safety campaigners who say it could save lives and reduce congestion-causing accidents.

The DVSA announced three months ago that, from Monday 4 June, learners would be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland, and Wales, on the proviso that they be accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual control car.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “IAM RoadSmart strongly welcomes this common-sense change to the law on motorway driving.

“It has never made sense to us that new drivers on our most important roads learned how to use them by trial and potentially fatal error”, said Neil Greig, director of policy and research at road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart. “Delays and injuries caused by driver error blight our motorways and with new systems such as smart motorways being widely introduced, it is vital that the level of knowledge and skill among motorway users is improved to keep our key economic routes flowing.”

IAM RoadSmart is offering a motorway driving module aimed at current drivers who feel their confidence or skills in motorway conditions could be improved.